I hit .500 today. I wish I was talking about a few trips to the batter's box, but I mean in terms of getting things done correctly.
After a ton of trouble with the mixer today, I finally fixed the problem. The most frustrating part of it all was that I didn't do anything differently than I normally do. Everything was set up the same way, and for whatever reason, it didn't work at first. Luckily we got on without a problem, and on time too. I didn't have as much luck with my package for the Cape League TV Show, though.
I was assigned to do a story on Whitecaps Manager Tom Myers. I spoke with him, a couple players, and the General Manager as well. The video looked great, I got some awesome sound bytes, and I had a good time doing it. However, when I captured the footage, there was no sound.
Apparently, there was an issue with some of the equipment that another reporter had as well with his camera. The microphone was showing levels for audio, but they weren't registering. No matter what the problem was, the equipment didn't work. It's easy to blame it on the camera, but the point is, the package isn't done. I have to take responsibility for it.
I feel like a struggling hitter , one of the guys who nails the ball, but it always ends up right at someone. Teammates saying "It'll be okay" don't make it any better. The only solution is to keep plugging away and hope you get that first bloop hit. I haven't had a string of mistakes, but I still need to deal with the problem rather than let it eat me up. It's the same way for any broadcaster (or working person for that matter).
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
A Double-Edged Sword
Today was one of the better games of the season for the Brewster Whitecaps. The first six batters they sent to the plate got on base, and five of them scored. The worst offense in the league scored 8 runs, and ended up winning (after letting the opposing team tie it, of course).
According to the totally overblown phrase, a win is a win. But nobody can say the same for broadcasting. After some internet problems before the game, we got everything running smoothly. But shortly after the first pitch of the top of the first, the equipment became an issue.
After a bit of troubleshooting, the broadcast was back on air, but not before I tossed play-by-play to Craig for a few batters. By the time I got it back, the Whitecaps were on their scoring binge. Most of my attention was on getting the broadcast on air, not on being the best broadcaster myself. As a result, the big inning didn't go nearly as smoothly as it could have.
Brewster still won the game, but that's not why I was happy at the end of the night. I finished my portion of the play-by-play with some gusto, and learned a lesson too:
Even when things are going great, something can go wrong. It's the broadcasters' responsibility to minimize them and take something away from the mistakes they make.
According to the totally overblown phrase, a win is a win. But nobody can say the same for broadcasting. After some internet problems before the game, we got everything running smoothly. But shortly after the first pitch of the top of the first, the equipment became an issue.
After a bit of troubleshooting, the broadcast was back on air, but not before I tossed play-by-play to Craig for a few batters. By the time I got it back, the Whitecaps were on their scoring binge. Most of my attention was on getting the broadcast on air, not on being the best broadcaster myself. As a result, the big inning didn't go nearly as smoothly as it could have.
Brewster still won the game, but that's not why I was happy at the end of the night. I finished my portion of the play-by-play with some gusto, and learned a lesson too:
Even when things are going great, something can go wrong. It's the broadcasters' responsibility to minimize them and take something away from the mistakes they make.
Friday, June 26, 2009
A Tough Stretch
One of the best things about doing something every day is getting into a rhythm. Calling a game is like batting practice for me, which is why the last week or so has been tough. I'm at my best when I've had plenty of reps on the mike, day in and day out. It's already hard enough at the beginning of the season, and now the postponed games are piling up.
There was another cancellation tonight, meaning that four of the last six game days have been washed out. I'm hoping there aren't any more games postponed in the near future, and in the meantime, I'll do what I can to stay fresh in the game calling department.
If you have any suggestions on what to do to stay focused and professional, let me know. I love taking advice almost as much as I like giving it. My job may be to talk, but it doesn't mean I can't listen too.
There was another cancellation tonight, meaning that four of the last six game days have been washed out. I'm hoping there aren't any more games postponed in the near future, and in the meantime, I'll do what I can to stay fresh in the game calling department.
If you have any suggestions on what to do to stay focused and professional, let me know. I love taking advice almost as much as I like giving it. My job may be to talk, but it doesn't mean I can't listen too.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
An Off Day Not a Day Off
If you check out the Brewster Whitecaps Blog (which I write), you'll see the confusion caused by the weather on the Cape the last few days. I had no idea the Whitecaps were supposed to have a game today until that game was postponed, because I was in work.
That fiasco reminded me that broadcasters really don't have a day off until the offseason. (Even then there's work to be done.) There are always changes in the schedule. There may be times it "frees up" a night, but whether or not there's a game, there are plenty of things to learn.
Whether it's simple research, speaking with the players or coaches, or even the opposing organization, to be a great broadcaster you have to be Mr./Mrs. [Team Name].
By immersing myself in the Cape League, I feel it's made me a better broadcaster and reporter in general, not just baseball gamecaller.
I guess I should get back to work.
That fiasco reminded me that broadcasters really don't have a day off until the offseason. (Even then there's work to be done.) There are always changes in the schedule. There may be times it "frees up" a night, but whether or not there's a game, there are plenty of things to learn.
Whether it's simple research, speaking with the players or coaches, or even the opposing organization, to be a great broadcaster you have to be Mr./Mrs. [Team Name].
By immersing myself in the Cape League, I feel it's made me a better broadcaster and reporter in general, not just baseball gamecaller.
I guess I should get back to work.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Not so Mist-erable
Tonight was an adventure to say the least. I'm glad we got our broadcast up and running, even if the game was called after an inning. We set the equipment up in the most aggressive blowing mist I've ever experienced. I never thought a tarp combined with a few sweatshirts would provide good enough cover for a mixer and two computers, plus three microphones, but they were all dry when we were done without the help of a towel.
It was kind of fun calling a game in such weird weather, but I' glad the game didn't go any longer than it did before it was postponed. It wouldn't have been safe for the players to keep going, especially the pitchers. One of my broadcast partners (Craig Durham) said he heard one of the pitchers saying he felt like he was throwing 55 miles an hour. (I'd love to throw that speed with a little knuckling myself, but that's not happening anytime soon.) It looked like there was no traction on the mound.
I'm surprised that the Brewster Vice President didn't take any photos of me with my head buried under the tarp, checking the sound levels, making sure our broadcast was recording. The game didn't end up going official, but we got on the air. That's all that matters to me. It's funny to think that managing a couple metal boxes can be such a challenge sometimes.
It was kind of fun calling a game in such weird weather, but I' glad the game didn't go any longer than it did before it was postponed. It wouldn't have been safe for the players to keep going, especially the pitchers. One of my broadcast partners (Craig Durham) said he heard one of the pitchers saying he felt like he was throwing 55 miles an hour. (I'd love to throw that speed with a little knuckling myself, but that's not happening anytime soon.) It looked like there was no traction on the mound.
I'm surprised that the Brewster Vice President didn't take any photos of me with my head buried under the tarp, checking the sound levels, making sure our broadcast was recording. The game didn't end up going official, but we got on the air. That's all that matters to me. It's funny to think that managing a couple metal boxes can be such a challenge sometimes.
A Long Game...
After eight games this season, there have been plenty of opportunities for great calls. I've had some good ones, some not as good, but nothing that I'd call perfect. I'm hoping by the end of the season, I can go an entire game sounding like a Major League Baseball broadcaster- or better.
Yesterday's game was another learning experience. The Orleans Firebirds beat the Whitecaps by six runs, even though it was tied through six innings. What started out as a close game ended up being the worst loss (in terms of run differential) for Brewster all year. So what happens in a broadcast when the opposing offense strikes?
I was happy to hear that Craig Durham, who was doing play-by-play for the late innings of last game, was able to stay excited during the action. However, once the six run seventh was over, it was the real challenge. How could we keep the listeners entertained when the game was out of hand?
That's the point in the broadcast when the human element shines. Although it's imperative to talk about the game, since that's what people are tuning in for, it doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. Whether it's a trivia question, a story, another mention of the fans listening, or a verbal update on the team Twitter account, there needs to be something to keep people involved.
I've always said that being a broadcaster is simply being the moderator in a discussion about people through the sport being played. When I'm calling Whitecaps games, I love to hear what others have to share. If you listen to one of our broadcasts, feel free to speak up through email, Twitter, or any other platform, because another voice enhances the conversation.
Yesterday's game was another learning experience. The Orleans Firebirds beat the Whitecaps by six runs, even though it was tied through six innings. What started out as a close game ended up being the worst loss (in terms of run differential) for Brewster all year. So what happens in a broadcast when the opposing offense strikes?
I was happy to hear that Craig Durham, who was doing play-by-play for the late innings of last game, was able to stay excited during the action. However, once the six run seventh was over, it was the real challenge. How could we keep the listeners entertained when the game was out of hand?
That's the point in the broadcast when the human element shines. Although it's imperative to talk about the game, since that's what people are tuning in for, it doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. Whether it's a trivia question, a story, another mention of the fans listening, or a verbal update on the team Twitter account, there needs to be something to keep people involved.
I've always said that being a broadcaster is simply being the moderator in a discussion about people through the sport being played. When I'm calling Whitecaps games, I love to hear what others have to share. If you listen to one of our broadcasts, feel free to speak up through email, Twitter, or any other platform, because another voice enhances the conversation.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Getting in the Groove...
I probably couldn't have typed an entry last night if I wanted to. My fingers were numb from the cold Harwich night. I'm done complaining though, as the game was fun, and the broadcast was fluid.
We got disconnected once, and I had to fix the technical problems, but hey, the moving around kept me warm (sort of). The Whitecaps got their second road win in as many games, and I learned a valuable lesson: even if it's the middle of June, bring layers of clothing with you to the park.
The chemistry between Graham, Craig, and I is only getting better every game. In tonight's game, we really got things going. The beginning of the season jitters are gone, and we've done a solid 5 games. It's great to have an off day coming, but at the same time, I can't wait to get back into the booth on Thursday.
We got disconnected once, and I had to fix the technical problems, but hey, the moving around kept me warm (sort of). The Whitecaps got their second road win in as many games, and I learned a valuable lesson: even if it's the middle of June, bring layers of clothing with you to the park.
The chemistry between Graham, Craig, and I is only getting better every game. In tonight's game, we really got things going. The beginning of the season jitters are gone, and we've done a solid 5 games. It's great to have an off day coming, but at the same time, I can't wait to get back into the booth on Thursday.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Team in Midseason Form?
The Whitecaps had a bigger win last night than they did all of last season. After jumping out to an early lead thanks to back to back homers in the first, they continued to pile it on. At one point in the game, they led 6-2.
After the Firebirds chipped away for the middle innings, they got their first lead of the night late. Going into the ninth inning, they led 8-6. If it were the 2008 or 2007 Whitecaps in the game, it would have been over. But luckily, there's a new coach and a new attitude in town. Returning catcher Jim Klocke came through with the game winning, 2-RBI single, and Brewster held on.
Games like that are the reason I love baseball, and I'm sure that's the case for many other people as well. What makes it different for me is the fact that I get to share that excitement with others. Exciting games like last night's are the easiest to call, even if there was some trouble setting up in the first place.
One thing I've learned through the various internships I've had is that Murphy's Law can actually be true. Being early, especially extra early is always a help. For anyone looking to go into the broadcast media world, BE THERE EARLY. That way you have plenty of time to figure things out. If we hadn't been almost two full hours early, there's no way Graham and I would have gotten the game on the air in time for the first pitch.
After the Firebirds chipped away for the middle innings, they got their first lead of the night late. Going into the ninth inning, they led 8-6. If it were the 2008 or 2007 Whitecaps in the game, it would have been over. But luckily, there's a new coach and a new attitude in town. Returning catcher Jim Klocke came through with the game winning, 2-RBI single, and Brewster held on.
Games like that are the reason I love baseball, and I'm sure that's the case for many other people as well. What makes it different for me is the fact that I get to share that excitement with others. Exciting games like last night's are the easiest to call, even if there was some trouble setting up in the first place.
One thing I've learned through the various internships I've had is that Murphy's Law can actually be true. Being early, especially extra early is always a help. For anyone looking to go into the broadcast media world, BE THERE EARLY. That way you have plenty of time to figure things out. If we hadn't been almost two full hours early, there's no way Graham and I would have gotten the game on the air in time for the first pitch.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Opening Day
It's not too often that a team opens it season with a tie, but that's the Cape League for you sometimes. The team I broadcast for, the Brewster Whitecaps, took a 2-0 lead into the top of the ninth yesterday, but the Falmouth Commodores scored two to tie it. There was time for one extra inning before the game was called for darkness.
I'd say it was a unique game, but it's not even close to the first tie I've called in baseball. In fact, I've called more ties in baseball than I have in hockey. As annoying as ties may be, it's the quirks in baseball that I enjoy most about it. Whether it's the different sizes and shapes of stadiums, the varying rules between the American and National Leagues, or fog being the best closer, there's always something.
Luckily, there were no quirks in getting the game on air yesterday. While getting all the equipment to work has often been a battle, things ran smoothly yesterday. I was talking with the other broadcasters, and we noticed how well the team seemed to be working together, especially in a play at the plate that saved the tie. We felt the same chemistry ourselves, and we hope to keep that up all season.
I'd say it was a unique game, but it's not even close to the first tie I've called in baseball. In fact, I've called more ties in baseball than I have in hockey. As annoying as ties may be, it's the quirks in baseball that I enjoy most about it. Whether it's the different sizes and shapes of stadiums, the varying rules between the American and National Leagues, or fog being the best closer, there's always something.
Luckily, there were no quirks in getting the game on air yesterday. While getting all the equipment to work has often been a battle, things ran smoothly yesterday. I was talking with the other broadcasters, and we noticed how well the team seemed to be working together, especially in a play at the plate that saved the tie. We felt the same chemistry ourselves, and we hope to keep that up all season.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Baseball Overload? Never...
I never thought I'd be reading two baseball blogs, doing research on other baseball websites, using baseball message boards, and watching a baseball game, all without paying any attention to the Red Sox game that's on right now.
I'm not complaining though. This Rice-LSU Super Regional game has been pretty fun to watch. It helps that a bunch of the players in the game are Cape Leaguers (from years passed or the upcoming season): Rick Hague, Anthony Rendon, Anthony Ranaudo, Diego Seastrunk, Sean Ochinko, Leon Landry, D. J. LeMahieu, Tyler Hanover, Blake Dean and Micah Gibbs have played, will play, or at least are listed on Cape League rosters.
I won't say what's been going on in the game because I don't want to violate the NCAA or ESPN live blogging policies, but let's just say there have been some great at-bats, pitchers getting out of big jams, and some snazzy work in the field too. In other words, you can't ask for much more (other than maybe both teams somehow making it to Omaha).
*****
I've found both Codball and Right Field Fog to be very useful resources for the preseason Cape League homework I've been doing. Between collecting the player bios myself and getting information from a few other sites, I have a much better knowledge of NCAA Baseball than I did going into either of the last two seasons.
I'm fortunate enough to have a new laptop with a few tricks up my sleeve in improving the Whitecaps website and my own ability to entertain people in a multitude of ways. I can't wait to start broadcasting on Friday.
I'm not complaining though. This Rice-LSU Super Regional game has been pretty fun to watch. It helps that a bunch of the players in the game are Cape Leaguers (from years passed or the upcoming season): Rick Hague, Anthony Rendon, Anthony Ranaudo, Diego Seastrunk, Sean Ochinko, Leon Landry, D. J. LeMahieu, Tyler Hanover, Blake Dean and Micah Gibbs have played, will play, or at least are listed on Cape League rosters.
I won't say what's been going on in the game because I don't want to violate the NCAA or ESPN live blogging policies, but let's just say there have been some great at-bats, pitchers getting out of big jams, and some snazzy work in the field too. In other words, you can't ask for much more (other than maybe both teams somehow making it to Omaha).
*****
I've found both Codball and Right Field Fog to be very useful resources for the preseason Cape League homework I've been doing. Between collecting the player bios myself and getting information from a few other sites, I have a much better knowledge of NCAA Baseball than I did going into either of the last two seasons.
I'm fortunate enough to have a new laptop with a few tricks up my sleeve in improving the Whitecaps website and my own ability to entertain people in a multitude of ways. I can't wait to start broadcasting on Friday.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
An Expensive Day
The broadcast journalist in me wanted a new computer with great video editing software. I'm most familiar with Apple's Final Cut, so a Mac was the most logical choice for me. I ended up with a MacBook Pro. I've always been a PC person, but I have to say, Macs don't seem half bad.
I'm hoping to revolutionize the Whitecaps' website with some new features, whether they're written, spoken, or shown, and my digital camera combined with my Mac will help me do that. I'm always open to suggestions on things to add to or improve on the site, so take a look now and once the season starts. The more professional the website looks, the more entertaining it will be for you, the fans. (It certainly won't hurt to have a beefed up portfolio, either.)
I'll probably try out my digital (/decent video) camera in the next few days. If I come up with something interesting to present, I'll post it here.
In the meantime, I have a lot of packing and sleeping to do before I make Dennisport my summer home.
I'm hoping to revolutionize the Whitecaps' website with some new features, whether they're written, spoken, or shown, and my digital camera combined with my Mac will help me do that. I'm always open to suggestions on things to add to or improve on the site, so take a look now and once the season starts. The more professional the website looks, the more entertaining it will be for you, the fans. (It certainly won't hurt to have a beefed up portfolio, either.)
I'll probably try out my digital (/decent video) camera in the next few days. If I come up with something interesting to present, I'll post it here.
In the meantime, I have a lot of packing and sleeping to do before I make Dennisport my summer home.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
It Isn't Day One...
I'm ready to start my third season as broadcaster for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Their first regular season game is Friday, June 12th at Stonybrook Field, where they'll take on the Falmouth Commodores.
I've had a lot of fun spending my summers on the Cape, but it hasn't been as glamorous as it sounds. I started this blog partly because I wanted to show people all the work that goes into being a great sports broadcaster. I wouldn't trade it for the world, but it still takes a lot of dedication, even when you don't want to do work. Anyone can happily call a 2-1 win, but what happens when the game is a blowout for either side? It's not as convenient as you may think for your team to be up 10-1 in the sixth inning.
In preparation for the season, I printed off a bio for each and every player on the rosters for all ten teams in the CCBL. I have to make an equipment checklist, make sure everything works, and have at least one in-person pre-season meeting with my broadcast team. Between Graham Doty, Craig Durham and I, we hope to reinvent the Whitecaps' website and create entertaining but professional broadcasts each and every time out.
I'll keep updating the blog to track my progress. It will keep me disciplined, and hopefully give you a lesson or a laugh along the way. (I'm still learning, and I'm always open to suggestions. Leave a comment about me, the broadcasts, or the website if you like.)
I've had a lot of fun spending my summers on the Cape, but it hasn't been as glamorous as it sounds. I started this blog partly because I wanted to show people all the work that goes into being a great sports broadcaster. I wouldn't trade it for the world, but it still takes a lot of dedication, even when you don't want to do work. Anyone can happily call a 2-1 win, but what happens when the game is a blowout for either side? It's not as convenient as you may think for your team to be up 10-1 in the sixth inning.
In preparation for the season, I printed off a bio for each and every player on the rosters for all ten teams in the CCBL. I have to make an equipment checklist, make sure everything works, and have at least one in-person pre-season meeting with my broadcast team. Between Graham Doty, Craig Durham and I, we hope to reinvent the Whitecaps' website and create entertaining but professional broadcasts each and every time out.
I'll keep updating the blog to track my progress. It will keep me disciplined, and hopefully give you a lesson or a laugh along the way. (I'm still learning, and I'm always open to suggestions. Leave a comment about me, the broadcasts, or the website if you like.)
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